Why Pedri was taken off at half-time for Barcelona vs Real Valladolid | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has provided an explanation for his decision to haul Pedri off midway through the club’s latest outing.

Midfielder Pedri for his part featured from the off once more on Saturday, as Barcelona made the trip to Real Valladolid for a La Liga clash.

The 22-year-old was one of very few regular starters included in the Blaugrana’s XI for the fixture, featuring from his customary berth at the base of midfield.

With 45 minutes on the clock, and Barca trailing by a goal to nil, however, Pedri was hooked for Frenkie de Jong.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle at the Estadio José Zorrilla, the subject of the former’s early withdrawal was in turn put to boss Hansi Flick.

And the German tactician went on to explain:

“From the beginning we decided: Pedri plays one half and Frenkie plays another half… That was already planned.”

Conor Laird – GSFN